Uthayakumar, a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee, also accused Umno of splitting the Indians, and destroying their heritage.
“They even launched a covert operation called 'Ops Padam Hindraf' then. However, we are still here today,” he said to rousing applause.
Without mincing his words, the outspoken lawyer also accused Umno of “ethnic cleansing” through the destruction of the Indian community's heritage structures and depriving Indian students of scholarships.
“They destroy our temples, cemeteries and schools. They deny scholarships for our children although they have excellent results. If this is not ethnic cleansing, what else am I to call it?” he asked.
Uthayakumar then ridiculed the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government, saying that it used 11 political parties to destroy Hindraf but still failed.
“They needed the help of 11 political parties to defeat us but we are still here. Do not believe their propaganda claiming Hindraf is split now,” he said.
Uthayakumar, who is also the secretary-general of the Human Rights Party (HRP), said the Indians here were only demanding their basic rights guaranteed under the federal constitution.
“They always quote Article 153 of the constitution whenever they think we question Malay rights. However, the second part of the article emphasises on the protection of the legitimate interests of the non-Bumiputeras which is conveniently forgotten by the ruling party,” he said.
Pakatan slammed as well
The Hindraf leader also took a swipe at Pakatan Rakyat for allegedly ignoring the Indians because it wanted to be “politically correct”.
“Indian lawmakers from Pakatan are scared to highlight Indian woes in order not to offend the Malays too much. They fear they might lose Malay votes in the next election.
“They also go around claiming they have given land titles to our temples and schools but when we checked, it is nothing but hogwash,” he said.
Uthayakumar also pledged that HRP would not become a tool of political coalitions, saying that it would only stand for the people.
In a related development, the Hindraf delegates passed a resolution that the movement would be known as Hindraf Makkal Sakthi from today.
Hindraf was banned by the government after it was accused of engaging in activities which posed a threat to public order.
Several other resolutions were passed, including to adopt Hindraf's controversial 18-point demand without any alteration.
The party also urged the government to provide full aid to all Tamil schools nationwide and scholarships for deserving students.
“We also call on the government to issue MyKad and birth certificates to all Indians who do not have the documents under a special programme.
“The government must make things easy for them by just requesting for a police report. The documents must be handed to them within three months from the day of application.”
The party also agreed to accept all decisions made by its national coordination team and Hindraf chairman and Uthayakumar's brother, Waytha Moorthy, who is in London on self-imposed exile.
“We also agree that Waytha should continue to promote our struggle at the international arena and lead the movement until our demands are met,” said its national adviser N Ganasen.
23/10/10
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